11 Best Foundation Companies in New Trier, IL

On average, New Trier homeowners pay about $3,786 for foundation repair, although the actual cost will vary widely depending on several factors. The fastest way to estimate the cost of your specific project is to get quotes from a few local foundation repair companies. The total price will be affected by things like the type of the repair(s) and the size of your house.

The main types of foundation repair are crack repair, leak repair, underpinning, stabilization, and waterproofing.

Crack repair and leak repair are what they sound like: your foundation contractor will perform an inspection and take necessary measures to remedy cracks or leaks. Costs will vary depending on the size and cause of the issue.

Underpinning, also called leveling or piering, is when a contractor levels your foundation by underpinning it with large concrete piers. The amount you can expect to spend depends on how many piers are required. The price of stabilization is also variable. This process reinforces bowing walls with carbon fiber or steel strips. The cost will depend on the material and how many strips are used.

Finally, waterproofing is an overarching term for a category of repairs intended to prevent water from getting into your foundation or basement. This can include exterior waterproofing, interior waterproofing, or both, and the price can vary greatly. We recommend contacting a waterproofing specialist if you're interested in waterproofing your foundation.

When constructing a new house, make sure that a soil report is completed. This report contains information about how well the soil on a given piece of land can support a foundation, and can provide you with a heads-up about potential future problems. If you have concerns about an existing house, for a few hundred dollars, you can get an inspection and report by a structural engineer. The engineer can point you to any issues that need attention, and advise you on how to avoid future problems.

Also ensure that the moisture around your foundation is at an appropriate level. Don't let the soil around your New Trier home get too dry or too wet; at different times, you might find yourself having to reroute your gutters or water your foundation. Also, be on the lookout for leaky gutters or pipes, so you can get them repaired promptly.

Foundation repair usually requires a permit, but getting one should not be your responsibility. Your foundation repair provider should get the permit and all other documents required in New Trier, and should be able to explain the process and/or provide the documents before starting work.

Small hairline cracks might seem easy to handle on your own, but in most cases, you should at least consult a professional before beginning any kind of foundation work. While you may not want to pay someone for work you feel you can handle yourself, mistakes made during foundation repair can be even more costly in the future.

In some cases, foundation repairs can be considered capital improvements if they meet the criteria of an improvement that will add to a home's overall market value, prolong its life, or adapt it to new uses. Making capital improvements sometimes allows you to qualify for tax breaks. (Speak with your Illinois tax professional for the most accurate information.) This aside, foundation repairs will generally have a positive effect on your home's value.